'Pears' by Linda Pastan


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Some say
it was a pear
Eve ate.
Why else the shape
of the womb,
or of the cello
Whose single song is grief
for the parent tree?
Why else the fruit itself
tawny and sweet
which your lover
over breakfast
lets go your pear-
shaped breast
to reach for?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Pears by Linda Pastan: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem so simple yet so profound that it leaves you wondering about every word and line? If you haven't, then you have to read Linda Pastan's "Pears." This 16-line poem may seem like a mere description of a fruit, but it speaks volumes about human nature, relationships, and the beauty of everyday things.

The Poem

Let's start with the poem itself:

They are not viols,
no soft swelling curves
or graceful necks
or ancient lines;
nor are they bowls
full of moonlight
or blue glaze;
but in each
smooth-skinned pear
the shape of a swan
is waiting to fly.

At first glance, "Pears" seems like a straightforward description of a fruit. However, Pastan's use of language and imagery hints at a deeper meaning.

Form and Structure

"Pears" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. The poem consists of 16 lines, divided into two stanzas. The first stanza describes what the pears are not, while the second stanza describes what they are. The use of negative description in the first stanza creates a contrast with the positive description in the second stanza, emphasizing the beauty of the pears.

Themes

One of the central themes in "Pears" is the beauty of everyday things. Pastan takes something as ordinary as a pear and reveals its hidden beauty. The line "in each smooth-skinned pear, the shape of a swan is waiting to fly" suggests that there is something special and beautiful waiting to be discovered in even the most mundane objects.

Another theme in the poem is the relationship between appearance and reality. The pears are not viols or bowls, but they hold the shape of a swan. This line suggests that we should not judge things based on their appearance alone, as there may be hidden depths and beauty beneath the surface.

The poem also touches on the theme of transformation, particularly the transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary. The line "the shape of a swan is waiting to fly" suggests that the pear has the potential to transform into something even more beautiful.

Imagery

Pastan's use of imagery in "Pears" is particularly effective in conveying the themes of the poem. The negative descriptions in the first stanza create a vivid contrast with the positive descriptions in the second stanza. The line "no soft swelling curves or graceful necks or ancient lines" emphasizes the simplicity of the pears, while the line "the shape of a swan is waiting to fly" suggests a hidden complexity and beauty.

The use of the word "swan" is also significant. Swans are often associated with grace and beauty, which reinforces the idea that there is hidden beauty in the pears. The line "waiting to fly" suggests that the transformation of the pear into a swan is imminent, adding a sense of anticipation and excitement to the poem.

Tone

The tone of "Pears" is contemplative and reflective. Pastan invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. The poem is not preachy or didactic but encourages us to find beauty in unexpected places.

Interpretation

Interpreting "Pears" is a bit like peeling back the layers of an onion. At first, the poem seems like a simple description of a fruit. However, as we delve deeper, we discover a rich tapestry of themes and imagery.

On one level, "Pears" is a celebration of the beauty of everyday things. Pastan invites us to slow down and appreciate the world around us, even the most mundane objects. The poem also suggests that there is more to things than meets the eye. The pears may appear simple, but they hold the potential for transformation and hidden beauty.

On another level, "Pears" is a meditation on the relationship between appearance and reality. The negative descriptions in the first stanza suggest that we should not judge things based on their appearance alone. The positive descriptions in the second stanza suggest that there may be hidden depths and beauty beneath the surface.

Finally, "Pears" is a reminder that beauty is subjective. What one person finds beautiful, another may not. The pears may not be viols or bowls full of moonlight, but they hold a beauty all their own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Linda Pastan's "Pears" is a deceptively simple poem that reveals a complex tapestry of themes and imagery. The poem invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of everyday things, reminding us that there is more to things than meets the eye. "Pears" is a celebration of the relationship between appearance and reality, and a reminder that beauty is subjective. If you haven't read "Pears" yet, I highly recommend it. You may never look at a pear the same way again.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Pears by Linda Pastan: A Delectable Poem

Linda Pastan’s poem “Pears” is a delectable piece of literature that captures the essence of the fruit in a unique and captivating way. The poem is a celebration of the pear, and it explores the fruit’s physical and metaphorical qualities. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem’s structure, language, and themes to understand its deeper meaning.

Structure

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first stanza describes the physical appearance of the pear, the second stanza explores the fruit’s metaphorical qualities, and the third stanza brings the two together. The poem’s structure is simple yet effective, as it allows the reader to focus on the imagery and language used to describe the pear.

Language

Pastan’s use of language in “Pears” is both vivid and sensory. She uses words that appeal to the reader’s senses, such as “yellow-green” and “juicy flesh,” to create a vivid image of the pear. The use of the word “luscious” in the second stanza is particularly effective, as it not only describes the taste of the pear but also its sensual qualities. The use of the word “sensual” in the third stanza further emphasizes this point.

The poem also contains several metaphors that add depth and meaning to the text. The line “a pear is as lovely as a hand” is a metaphor that compares the pear to a hand, suggesting that the fruit is not only beautiful but also useful. The line “a pear is as fragrant as a woman” is another metaphor that compares the pear to a woman, suggesting that the fruit is not only pleasing to the senses but also alluring.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including beauty, sensuality, and utility. The first stanza focuses on the physical beauty of the pear, describing its “yellow-green” skin and “juicy flesh.” The second stanza explores the sensual qualities of the pear, describing its “luscious” taste and “fragrant” aroma. The third stanza brings the two together, suggesting that the pear is not only beautiful and sensual but also useful.

The poem also explores the theme of mortality. The line “a pear is ripe when it will never be any riper” suggests that the pear, like all living things, has a finite lifespan. The poem celebrates the pear’s beauty and sensuality, but it also acknowledges its impermanence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Linda Pastan’s poem “Pears” is a delectable piece of literature that celebrates the beauty, sensuality, and utility of the fruit. The poem’s structure, language, and themes work together to create a vivid and meaningful portrait of the pear. The poem is a reminder that even the simplest things in life can be beautiful and meaningful, and that we should take the time to appreciate them.

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